Former NFL Star Curt Warner Understands Challenges of Autism

UNIVERSITY PARK, Pa.— Legendary Penn State running back Curt Warner and his wife struggle with their twin sons’ autism diagnosis.

Curt Warner with his wife, Ana,
and oldest son, Jonathan.

One son started a fire that burned down their house in 2008. They’ve felt discrimination among other parents and teachers. And now that the twins are 19, the Warners are facing the reality that their sons aren’t going to do the typical young adult things, such as go to college.

Read more here: http://www.centredaily.com/2013/08/02/3716872/warners-relate-challenges-of-autism.html#storylink=cpy

Read more here: http://www.centredaily.com/2013/08/02/3716872/warners-relate-challenges-of-autism.html#storylink=cpOne son started a fire that burned down their house in 2008. They’ve felt discrimination among other parents and teachers. And now that the twins are 19, the Warners are facing the reality that their sons aren’t going to do the typical young adult things, such as go to college.

Read more here: http://www.centredaily.com/2013/08/02/3716872/warners-relate-challenges-of-autism.html#storylink=cpy

Choosing Own Leisure Activities Benefits Individuals on the Spectrum, Study Finds

Free time is not always a fun time for people with autism. Giving them the power to choose their own leisure activities during free time, however, can boost their enjoyment, as well as improve communication and social skills, according to an international team of researchers.
"For many of us, we look at recreation as a time to spend on activities that are fun and that are designed for our enjoyment," said John Dattilo, professor, recreation, park and tourism management, Penn State. "But for some people with disabilities, particularly those who have autism, these activities can be a source of frustration, simply because they didn't have a chance to make their own leisure choices."